Latest Swampscott Coronavirus Update: Confirmed Cases Jump 20%

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The new coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts and across the country is having vast impacts in Swampscott. Patch has compiled this round-up of the latest, local coronavirus news.

Swampscott had 56 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus as of Monday, up 20 percent from the previous week.

"This increase is consistent with trends on the state and national level," Swampscott Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald said in a note to residents Monday. "It is more important now than ever to be vigilant in our social distancing effort."

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In other city news:

• Swampscott joined several other North Shore communities last week in enacting an order requiring people to wear face masks when they go out. "Fabric masks are also required in all indoor common areas within multifamily and office buildings, such as hallways, laundry rooms, common rooms, and the like," Fitzgerald said.
• Swampscott remains one of the few communities in Massachusetts that has a stay-at-home order, barring residents from leaving their homes except for essential trips. The state has a stay-at-home advisory.
• Swampscott Public Schools resumed contract negotiations with the union that represents teachers last week. The two sides held a virtual bargaining sessions, according to the Swampscott Education Association. Teachers have been working under an expired contract for 225 days.
• State education officials announced Thursday that MCAS exams have been canceled for the current school year.

More Coronavirus Coverage On Massachusetts Patch:

• Massachusetts Coronavirus Case Map: Updated
• Mapping Massachusetts Coronavirus: Where Are State's ICU Beds?
• How To Get Health Care If You're Uninsured During Coronavirus
• Bells Ring At Otherwise Silent Churches Amid Continued Shutdown
• Newly Found Commuter Cash Helping Needy During Crisis

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).